In the Acadiana area, there was a lot to like during the opening week of the high school football season.
Although some schools might have entered the season with question marks at key positions, a lot of those appear to have been answered.
One team that showed its rushing attack may be potent again was Ascension Episcopal, which rushed for more than 200 yards in a 23-6 win over Kaplan.
The Blue Gators’ rushing attack was propelled by Andre Abshire, who ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, while Branon Mitchell had 82 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
Westgate's firepower
It’s no secret Westgate has a lot of talent year after year, but last year an injury to quarterback Jaboree Antoine derailed what the Tigers believed was going to be a promising season.
Now, the Tigers are healthy and showed just how dangerous they can be in a 31-20 win over Lake Charles Prep. Westgate’s weapons — Antoine, running back Tavias Gordon and receiver Bryant Leon — were on full display.
Antoine completed 7 of 12 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed for 68 yards on 11 carries. Gordon led the Tigers rushing attack with 220 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Leon hauled in eight passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns.
First of many?
Lafayette Renaissance and Westminster Christian-Lafayette are in their first seasons competing for district and postseason honors as members of the LHSAA.
Both got off to winning starts.
The Tigers cruised to a 54-8 win over the Bulldogs, while the Chargers went on the road and beat Albany, a five-win 3A team in 2023, 19-12.
“We don’t back down,” Chargers coach Kent Gable said. “We don’t care how big the opposing school is. We have to attack it. We showed we can match up against guys bigger and faster.”
Francine effect
Several Acadiana area high School football programs have either elected to reschedule or cancel their Week 2 games because of tropical storm Francine.
The games moved to Saturday are: Erath at North Vermilion at 2 p.m., Central Lafourche at New Iberia at 3 p.m., Lafayette Renaissance at Abbeville at noon, St. Edmund at Thomas Jefferson at 7 p.m., Port Barre at Beau Chene at 6 p.m., Westminster at St. Martin’s Episcopal at 5 p.m., Thrive Academy vs. Westminster-Lafayette 7 p.m. at Carencro High and Kaplan at Berwick at 2 p.m.
Three games — Karr at Opelousas, Calvary Baptist at Westgate and Neville at Southside — have all been canceled.